Archive for February, 2010

1st March 1838 – Born and baptised in Assisi, Italy; 21st September 1856 Clothed in the Passionist Habit; 22 September 1857 Religious Profession; 27th February 1862 Died at Isola Del Gran Sasso; 7th July 1896 Cause of Canonisation introduced by decree of Pope Leo XIII; 31st May 1908 Beatification; 13th May 1920 Canonisation.

Letter of St. Gabriel to his father shortly before his profession as a Passionist:

“I well remember, dearest father, that I promised you to return home whenever I was sure that the Lord had not called me to join this Congregation. But, dear father, how can I possibly leave so good a Master as Jesus Christ and so loving a mother as Mary? Even though I am a useless and unworthy servant, even though I continue to displease their Sacred Hearts, I realise nevertheless that they alone can impart true happiness and joy of heart. I don’t deserve it; indeed I am unworthy of such a grace. God knows I mean that with all my heart.”

The cause for sainthood for Mother Dolores Medina, (1860-1925) founder of the Daughters of the Passion of Christ and the Sorrowful Mother (the Mexican Passionist Sisters), is now in Rome. She is portrayed here holding a crucifix with passionate, devoted reverence. The intensity of her gaze is born of the pain she suffered in illness during which she amazed her companions with heroic patience. The lilies and gladiolas at her side were referenced from religious shrines and feast days of Mexico, her country of origin. The nopal cactus is a food staple of the Mexican poor whom she instructed her followers to love and serve.

“Our vocation has meaning while there is a pain that needs remedy” (Const. 65 – Daughters of the Passion)